Key Events (10)
Iran launched ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan on July 29, breaking a ceasefire that had lasted several days. The U.S. intercepted all missiles, but Trump vowed severe retaliation, promising to deliver a "beating" to Iran.
Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House for their seventh meeting since Trump took office. The meeting was closed to media, and Netanyahu expressed skepticism about the chances of an Iran deal, discussing increased economic pressure on Iran through "kinetic and non-kinetic means."
Trump appealed his $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll civil verdict to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the 2024 presidential immunity decision shields him from liability. The DOJ filed separate filings in support of Trump's case.
James Comey's legal team argued that the DOJ's prosecution of the former FBI director for a seashell-themed social media post violates fundamental constitutional principles. The filing alleged that Trump personally demanded details of the Secret Service's interview with Comey.
Trump announced a $22.5 billion redesign of Dulles International Airport near Washington, part of his broader program to remake the Washington area. The project would include new terminals, removal of aging people movers, and a new United lounge.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times during a Senate hearing on COVID-19 origins, declining to answer questions from Senator Rand Paul and other Republicans. Paul announced plans to vote on holding Fauci in contempt of Congress.
Jay Clayton was confirmed as Trump's new Director of National Intelligence after the president's original choice was rejected for lack of relevant experience. Clayton, a former Wall Street lawyer and prosecutor, had been involved in controversial cases including the Maduro prosecution and Epstein files review.
Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general faced setbacks when two Republican senators pressed for written commitments to kill Trump's controversial "anti-weaponization" fund. Blanche's path to confirmation also faced opposition from Epstein survivors and concerns over his previous representation of Trump.
Trump's administration rejected disaster relief requests from four Democratic states that FEMA had approved, breaking bipartisan precedent. The action raised questions about whether Trump was politicizing disaster assistance.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 3.5%-3.75% for the fifth consecutive time, but three Fed officials dissented in favor of raising rates. The decision came amid elevated inflation driven partly by the Iran war's impact on oil prices.